The Bombers had made the postseason 12 consecutive years under the tutelage of Joe Torre and staying home in October just isn’t acceptable. Joe Girardi was the successor of the throne and was given a pass in a way, Bronx style. The manager knew that if he didn’t produce a playoff berth now he would have been looking for a new job this fall.

Taking no chances, the front office went out during the winter and basically put together a fantasy team. Adding to an already talented roster, bringing in the likes of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixiera basically cemented the division.

On Wednesday, the Yankees became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff berth, albeit it as a result of a Texas Rangers loss. It was a moot point as the Yanks went out that same night and won their game in Anaheim.

“It’s good to be in,” third baseman Alex Rodriguez said to reporters. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. There’s no question the intensity level was very high.”

Girardi echoed a similar emotion. “That’s the expectation here every year, and that’s obviously very pleasing,” the skipper told reporters. ”We’re going to be playing in October, but there are still some things we want to accomplish before the season ends.”

Just making the playoffs is not suffice in Yankee land. That may be okay for the Rays or Tigers, but winning their 27^th World Series title is the only barometer of a productive season. Owning a league-best 96-55 seems to be something to build on towards reaching the ultimate goal. They are six games up on the Angels for home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs.

By wrapping up a spot this early, the members of the Yankees can’t help but look ahead to possible opponents, regardless if they admit it or toe the company line. If the season ended today, the Yankees would face the winner of the AL Central. “You hope you play them – that means we’re there,” Derek Jeter commented to reporters. “But it’s still too early to think about match-ups. It’s important for us to play well against good teams.”

And that is exactly what is going to happen in the ‘second season.’ Since the Red Sox appear to be the clear-cut wild card entrant, the Yankees will face off against the winner of the AL Central in the Division Series. At press time, the Detroit Tigers were leading the Minnesota Twins by two and a half games.

That means that Anaheim and Boston will face one another in the other series and the survivors will square off in the American League Championship Series. Does the road to the World Series go through Yankee Stadium? (The AL has home field advantage in the Fall Classic thanks to a win in the All-Star Game.) Anything less and the season will be considered a failure.

Such is life when perfection is not only expected, but also demanded.

While they got one answer to their questions when Pedro Lopez was announced the team’s new skipper a few months back, the jury is still out on how dominant the team will be this season

If you ask Lopez though, he believes his team will be energetic and quick on the base paths, producing a high-octane product that is sure to induce thrills at Keyspan Park this summer.

“I’m aggressive and I like the running game,” said Lopez. “Fonzie did a great job here and hopefully I can continue where he left off.”

With 10 returning Cyclones, including fan favorites Erik Turgeon and John Servidio and seldom-used, but highly effective hurler Jim Fuller on the roster as well, Lopez has plenty of players to evaluate this season. As a matter of fact, Lopez has already saw his fair share of players that have caught his eye.

“We have this exciting kid [Luis] Nieves,” he said. “We’re trying to decide whether he’s going to start at shortstop on Friday or not. We have a 19-year-old, [Juan] Centeno behind the plate too. We have a lot of exciting players.”

Last managing in the Texas Rangers system in 2007, Lopez also has an impressive minor league playing resume under his belt.

A .249 career hitter over 877 games in the San Diego, Houston and Milwaukee systems,  his best season came in 1991 when he hit .284 with eight homers and 57 RBI in 102 games at the A-level  Waterloo Diamonds. During his 12-year minor league career, the catcher was also a teammate of big leaguers such as Tim Worrell, Lance Painter, Joey Hamilton, Keith Lockhart and Kevin Maas.

That experience he feels will help him plenty this season.

“I just want my guys to feel that they can go out there and play the game without making mistakes,” Lopez said. “They’ll play and we’ll talk after the game. I’m not going to second guess them. My coaching staff isn’t going to do that either. We’re going to create the best atmosphere for them and give these fans the best show ever.”

Hughes, specifically, was viewed as an immediate starter for the Yankees.  Making the Opening Day roster in 2007 Hughes made his first start on April 26 against the Toronto Blue Jays.  Hughes lasted just 4.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits, absorbing the loss.  Making his second start against the Texas Rangers on May 1 Hughes flashed the brilliance seen by others assessing his talent.  He was throwing a no-hitter until, with one out in the sixth inning; Hughes injured his left hamstring while throwing a 0-2 curveball to Ranger first baseman Mark Teixeira.  Hughes would miss the next three months rehabbing his injured leg.

Hughes returned to the Yankees on August 4, making his next start against the Kansas City Royals.  He went 4.2 innings, earning a no-decision.

2007 also marked the first time Hughes pitched in the post season.  Once again, Hughes took advantage of the spotlight.  In Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series Hughes faced the Cleveland Indians, entering the game in relief of starter Roger Clemens.  Hughes sparked as he shut down the Indians in 3.2 innings of work to earn the victory.  It was the only win the Yankees would produce against the Tribe.

Another bit of trivia, Hughes was the youngest player (21) on the roster and he replaced the oldest player (45) in Clemens who left the game with a hamstring injury of his own.

During the winter Hughes was sought after by many teams, with the most notable being the Twins.  The Twins as a small market club needed to unload their premier pitcher, Santana, because they knew he was going to fetch a huge contract that the Twins could ill afford to meet.  The Yankees contacted the Twins about Santana, but they wanted Hughes and center fielder Melky Cabrera in return.  The Yankees ultimately said NO!

Hughes and Cabrera stayed and Santana signed with the New York Mets.

All-in-all, things were looking up for the young righty.  Hughes and Kennedy both made the starting rotation to start the 2008 season.  Hughes, who wore the number 65 in 2007, switched his number to 34 for the 2008 campaign.  It was the number he wore in high school and at the 2006 All-Star Futures Game.

Coming out of Spring Training everything appeared to be on track for Hughes.  He did well in his first start of the season where he went 6.0 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 3.  Hughes earned a no-decision, as the Yankees nipped the Jays 3-2.  In the game Hughes struck out four, walked one and gave up two earned runs.

After that Hughes season unraveled in a hurry.  In his next 5 starts Hughes’ record dropped to 0-4.  He averaged 3.06 innings of work, and his ERA ballooned to 9.00.  To add to Hughes’ woes he landed on the disabled list on April 30 with a strained oblique and a cracked rib.  On May 2 Hughes visited an optometrist and it was discovered he was nearsighted.  He began wearing glasses on the mound.

After recovering from his injuries Hughes spent the summer in the minors at Scranton/Wilkes-Barrie helping the Yankees Triple-A team win the 2008 International League title.

The Yankees recalled Hughes on September 13 and he made his first start on September 17 against the Chicago White Sox.  Hughes threw 4.0 innings, but showed signs of life again.  He surrendered just one run while striking out 4 and walking two batters to help the Yankees to a 5-1 win.  In his next start Hughes pitched 8.0 innings in Toronto.  His line was very encouraging to the Yankees as he only gave up 2 earned runs on 5 hits, while striking out 6 and walking none.  In that one game Hughes lowered his ERA from 7.96 to 6.62.  It was a tremendous building block for Hughes to carry with him into the off-season, which came early as the Yankees failed to make the playoffs.

Hughes had a marvelous 2009 spring training where in 4 appearances (12.1 innings of work) he only gave up 3 earned runs on 5 hits, and had a terrific ERA of 2.19.  However, when camp broke to start the regular season Hughes returned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

As it has been said many times, “fate is the hunter.”  Fate found Phil Hughes.

No one in their right mind expected the start RHP Chien-Ming Wang has had to start this season.  A two-time 19-game winner, Wang was 8-2 in 2008 before going on the DL after injuring his right foot on June 15, while facing the Houston Astros in an interleague game.  Wang was attempting to score a run when he pulled up lame and was taken out of the game.  It proved to be a season ending injury.

Wang had a pedestrian spring training, but announced himself ready for the start of the season.  Wang was penciled in by manager Joe Girardi as the No. 3 starter behind newly acquired pitchers C.C. Sabathia (Milwaukee Brewers) and A.J. Burnett (Toronto Blue Jays).  In Wang’s first 3 starts he has allowed 23 earned runs on 23 hits in just 6.0 innings of work.  That worked out to an ERA of 34.50.  Wang was pulled from his next start as the team contemplated what it was going to do with him.

“We have some time. We have a day off I think Thursday and we’re going to have to decide what’s best for Chien-Ming Wang and the team,” Girardi said at the time.

What they decided was to put Wang on the disabled list, which opened up the slot for Hughes.

Hughes made the most of the opportunity, and yesterday he was stellar in his start against the Detroit Tigers.   Facing a very formidable lineup Hughes allowed no runs, only 2 hits, while striking out 6 Tigers and walking two.  He also hit a batter.  Hughes mixed his pitches well and kept the Tigers off balance for the most part.  He kept it even, until the Yankees took advantage of an outfield fielding error, and broke the game wide open for an 11-0 win.  The victory snapped a 4-game losing streak.

“It’s a good feeling,” Hughes said to reporters after the game. “I didn’t have one all last year, so to get one in the first start is nice.”

Hughes was just what the Yankees needed.  His performance was the positive, feel good tonic that has been missing from the clubhouse since the Yankees hit the road nearly a week ago.

“That’s the best that I’ve seen him throw,” Joe Girardi said. “It was something we needed. That’s a pretty good hitting lineup and he shut them down.”

Another guy that may be on the hot seat, if Hughes continues to shine, is No. 5 starter Joba Chamberlain.  Chamberlain, who made a splash in 2007 coming out of the bullpen, hasn’t looked as good this season in the starting rotation.

In three starts Chamberlain is 0-0 with a 3.94 ERA.  He has not pitched deep into a game, averaging 5.37 innings per start.  Flashing a near-100 mph fastball in 2007 while coming out of the bullpen Chamberlain has barely reached the mid-90s this year.  He went on the DL in 2008 with a shoulder injury, which was diagnosed as shoulder tendonitis.  He returned to close out the season, but so far this year his performances have been mixed.  Chamberlain has struck out 11, but walked 10.  He is averaging a little over 90 pitches per game.  This is in accordance with the “Joba Rules” imposed upon Chamberlain by the team.  According to Girardi wants Chamberlain limited to 150 innings this year, but at the same time make approximately 30 starts.  Girardi admitted that may necessitate pulling Joba from games after 5 innings.

However, there is no restriction on Hughes, and if he can continue to pitch as he did Tuesday that is going to create some interesting headaches for Girardi.

For one, the bullpen has been a mixed bag of tricks since the season started.  The Yankees have the highest team ERA in baseball and the bullpen has been a large part of that.  Chamberlain has proven he can dish coming out of the ‘pen so that is a great option for Girardi.  RHP Brian Bruney who also went on the DL the same time as Wang had been the one bright spot in the relief corps and once he comes back the Yankees could be looking at a triumvirate much like the Nelson-Stanton-Rivera trio of the 90s.  With both Bruney and Chamberlain in the bullpen with Rivera the Yankees could go a Bruney-Chamberlain-Rivera pairing to shorten the game to six innings.

Secondly, you have to reward effort.  With Wang on the DL for a few more weeks Hughes is going to get the opportunity to show management he belongs in the majors full time.  If he continues to perform like he did against Cleveland sending him back down to the minors would be counterproductive.  It could hurt Hughes psyche as to whether he feels like he’s wanted or not.

The next couple of weeks are going to be very telling for the Yankees and their pitching corps.  If Wang comes back strong and reverts to the pre-injured pitcher he was Girardi is going to have to make some heavy duty decisions (and he won’t be making them alone).  Personally, if Hughes and Wang are pitching at their optimum levels, sending Chamberlain back to the bullpen is the correct move.  He would instantly shore up a leaky group of relievers, and, along with Bruney give them legitimacy.

Decisions, decisions!!  This is why they pay Girardi the big money, because he is the one who is eventually going to have to figure this roadblock out.  It’s a nice problem to have for a while, but ultimately whether or not some personnel like the moves that are going to be made Girardi is going to have to make them for the betterment of the team.

In the meantime, all Phil Hughes can do is take the ball, pitch the best he can, and let the chips fall where they may.

AL EAST AL CENTRAL AL WEST
N.Y. Yankees        Minnesota Twins         L.A. Angels
Boston Red Sox       Cleveland Indians            Oakland A’s
T.B. Rays                Chicago White Sox           Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays     Kansas City Royals          Seattle Mariners
Baltimore Orioles      Detroit Tigers
**Notes:
AL EAST-  Flip a coin between New York and Boston;  it’ll all come down to who stays more healthy–but I think Teixeira’s impact will be huge.  Sox’ staff deeper, but Yanks will have a sense of desperation with their older core players–and make the most of it.  Rays’ young staff to blow out come September.  Halladay in Toronto doesn’t get enough help from his fellow starters.  Orioles have a totally new pitching staff–but it won’t matter; yes, poor Brian Roberts.
AL CENTRAL- I like the Twins starting pitching better than Cleveland’s–and Joe Nathan is still Joe Nathan; however, Mauer must return to full strength.  I’m not crazy about Chicago’s bullpen–and there are health concerns.  Royals low on-base percentage will hurt them–but they could surprise somewhat.  Tigers’ young, talented arms of ‘06 now a distant memory; if they were to win this division, then yours truly could be dating Charlize Theron come October.
AL WEST- Angels just too talented in an otherwise weak division, but will they get enough production out of the 1B and DH spots?  Giambi will test cleanly and Oakland will score more runs–but their pitching is suspect.  As usual, Rangers’ pitching is “iffy,”–to say the least.  Mariners start the season without Ichiro, and their ”big” off-season acquisitions were an over-the-hill Griffey, Jr. and Russell Branyon–telling you all you really need to know.

NL EAST NL CENTRAL NL WEST
N.Y. Mets                   Chicago Cubs             L.A. Dodgers
Philadelphia Phillies     Milwaukee Brewers    Arizona D’Backs
Atlanta Braves             St. Louis Cardinals     S.F. Giants
Florida Marlins             Houston Astros         Colorado Rockies
Washington Nationals   Cincinnati Reds         S.D. Padres
Pittsburgh Pirates
**Notes:
NL EAST- Mets’ acquisitions of Putz and K-Rod put them over the top–but WHICH Oliver Perez will show up every five days?  Phillies will score, but starting pitchers like “Father Time” Moyer will disappoint.  Braves lack power–and will have trouble closing games.  Marlins may make more errors than the Bush administration did; Nationals located in D.C.–where NOTHING good happens these days.
NL CENTRAL- Cubs starting pitching still excellent–and Milton Bradley helps the offense.  Brewers will simply try to outscore opponents–but this isn’t bowling.  Cards will have trouble closing games–and they have no bench.  Houston has too many #5 starters; I don’t like the Reds outfield.  Pirates’ only hope is that SOME people show up in person to see them finish last once again.
NL WEST- Infielder Hudson helps Dodgers a lot, but will Manny quit come September?  Haren and Webb may win 40 for Arizona–but they’ll fall short.  Giants’ lack of power puts too much pressure on a decent staff.  Rockies can’t outscore people like they used to and will miss Holliday too much.  If you can name the Padres lineup, you have WAY too much time on your hands.
*Postseason: I’ll say the Yankees’ off-season money machine propels them to yet another World Series appearance–despite A-ROID appearing on the cover of the New York Post at least a half-dozen times this summer.  Cubs make up for the embarrassment of last postseason (and the past 100 years!) and win the World Series in early, bone-chilling November.

Enjoy the season, everyone!

Rodriguez, playing in his final spring training game before leaving the Yankees to play for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, left Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds after collecting 2 hits. Afterwards, he sat down for about 2 hours to answer questions relating to his use of illegal substances before coming to the Yankees.

After the meeting A-Rod wouldn’t talk about what went on behind closed doors, but Rodriguez was described as “cooperative” with investigators. However, does cooperative equal truthful?

The substance of the interview is not known, but what is know is that A-Rod appeared to be less than 100% genuine when he faced nearly 200 members of the news media on February 17 at George M. Steinbrenner Field to answer questions after reading a prepared statement. Reporters were allowed to ask one question with no follow up, and though Rodriguez admitted he screwed up he couldn’t or wouldn’t answer questions as to whether he thought he was a cheat, on why he took the illegal substances or why he continued to use them when he said he didn’t know if they did him any good or whether he was using them the right way. Often he appeared to be at a loss for words, searching for the right response to a question that caught him off guard.

Rodriguez’s answers left everyone with a lot more questions. It’s a good thing Rodriguez didn’t blame anyone else for his circumstances, because there is no one who gets in A-Rod’s way more than he does. Need proof? Here are a few examples.

Exhibit A:

During the press conference Rodriguez said he received his supplies through his cousin, whom he refused to identify, and that his cousin injected him with a substance with the street name of “Boli.” A-Rod told the audience this substance was a legal, over-the-counter drug that could be purchased in the Dominican Republic. “Boli” is possibly the term used for Primobolan, which is a banned steroid. After the press conference reporters contacted authorities in the Dominican and were advised that “Boli” was not a legal over-the-counter drug, nor was it back during A-Rod’s admitted time frame of use.

Reporters later identified the unknown cousin as Yuri Sucart. Sucart has been a staple in Rodriguez’s life for many years. Often seen with A-Rod at his home in Miami, Florida, Sucart’s identity was established by his wife Carman who told reporters that her husband was the cousin A-Rod referred to in the press conference. She refused to speak beyond that.

The Wednesday, following the press conference, with the media smelling stories due to Rodriguez’s less than candid responses, A-Rod left the game against the Toronto Blue Jays and hopped into an SUV being driven by none other than Sucart. Rodriguez was later contacted by Yankee officials and was told his cousin wasn’t welcome around any of the Yankees’ facilities.

The Yankees made their responses to the situation brief.

Brian Cashman said to reporters, “It’s been handled.”

When reporters reached out to manager Joe Girardi for a response his statement was just about as short.

“That situation has been addressed, and I’ll just leave it at that,” he echoed.

This position begs the question, just how dumb is Alex Rodriguez? Why would an athlete who is under the most intense microscope of scrutiny allow the guy he said supplied, injected and used illegal substances with to appear anywhere near the New York Yankees?

This is where anyone in their right mind would say to themselves I trying to repair my reputation so I need to use discretion and caution and not add more attention to myself, my teammates and my organization. Apparently, that didn’t resonate with A-Rod. The cousin shows up, more questions are asked and the Yankee organization has to bear further embarrassment, because their most talented and expensive asset can’t see the circumstances surrounding him for what they are and make smart choices.

In other words, he either says or does the wrong thing.

Exhibit B:

In Joe Torre’s book, “The Yankee Years,” Torre referred to Rodriguez’s relationship with his teammate and Yankee captain Derek Jeter as, “single, white female.” That is to say, Rodriguez emulated Jeter. That emulation obviously hasn’t gravitated to A-Rod’s character flaws and big mouth.

Jeter has often been criticized in the press, because he doesn’t reveal much about his private life relating to A-Rod or otherwise, and that he always, always says and does the right thing. Jeter’s response to these critiques is strictly out of his playbook.

“I understand my job is public, but your personal life is your personal life. Once you open that door, it doesn’t stop,” he said recently. “Away from the field, people want to keep tabs on how many times we go out to eat, things like that. That has no bearing on what we’re trying to do.”

Jeter knows his status in New York. He knows whom he represents, and he acts accordingly. In a city where tabloid news runs rampant Jeter does a great job in avoiding the trappings that usually fall upon big time stars. Jeter keeps his public persona as a New York Yankee far away from his private persona as Derek Jeter, citizen. You won’t find Jeter the subject of the smokinggun.com, the New York Post’s “Page 6,” or the National Enquirer. You won’t find pictures of Jeter following a buxom, hot blond into a hotel room after spending the night visiting strip clubs. And you won’t see photos of him hanging out with superstar singers who were married to successful movie directors.

Derek Jeter doesn’t do things that will embarrass himself, the City of New York or the New York Yankees.

Alex Rodriguez seems to make a habit of it.

Exhibit C:

Whether he tries to or not anything said by A-Rod has the potential of being taken in the wrong context. Remember, the supposed ironclad friendship between Rodriguez and Jeter rusted and fell apart after an interview Rodriguez and his agent Scott Boras did for the April, 2001 issue of Esquire Magazine. For those of you who have been living in a cave, in the story Rodriguez told Esquire Jeter wasn’t a real leader.

“Jeter’s been blessed with great talent around him,” Alex was quoted as saying. “He’s never had to lead. He can just go and play and have fun. And he hits second-that’s totally different than third and fourth in a lineup. You go into New York; you wanna stop Bernie and O’Neill. You never say don’t let Derek beat you. He’s never your concern.”

Since that quote emerged in print Rodriguez has spent a lot of time backpedaling and justifying his words. However, the damage was apparently done. Jeter doesn’t use the term “friend” or “friendship” in describing his relationship with Rodriguez since A-Rod came to the Yankees in 2004.

So, the only time the Esquire story is brought up since it was big news nearly 8 years ago is when A-Rod says something that could possibly be construed as knocking Jeter. Like yesterday, when asked what he thought about Dominican teammate Jose Reyes’ running ability Rodriguez gushed about him.

“I wish he was leading off on our team or playing on our team; that’s fun to watch, A-Rod said.”

Here’s the rub with that statement. I don’t think Rodriguez was knocking anyone. I think he was genuinely complimenting a very gifted athlete in Reyes. However, perception is everything and choosing your words wisely is important.

First off, away from the World Baseball Classic, Reyes plays for the Yankees’ cross town rivals, the New York Mets. Next to complimenting somebody on the Boston Red Sox, complimenting someone on the Mets is cannon fodder too. Two, he plays shortstop, which is the position currently occupied by Jeter, and third, the leadoff batter is Johnny Damon.

So, in one fell swoop A-Rod gives the appearance that he’d rather have Reyes in the lineup and playing shortstop over his aforementioned teammates. As I said, I don’t think that is what he was trying to convey. But, when you stick your foot in your mouth as much as A-Rod does any time you say anything those words are going to be picked apart.

A better way to have responded to the question is, “I think Jose is a really talented ballplayer and any team that has him leading off and playing short is fortunate. I’m enjoying playing beside him for the Dominican Republic. That said, I’m also lucky to be playing on the Yankees next to another talented shortstop by the name of Derek Jeter who will be a first ballot hall of famer. We also got a pretty good leadoff guy in Johnny Damon.” That way you can compliment the one player without giving the appearance you are slighting others.

Alex Rodriguez said he came to the New York Yankees to win a championship. I’m sure that’s true, but there might be underlying reasons why he hasn’t won any before coming to the Bronx. Rodriguez, since arriving in New York has been a lightning rod of controversy and tabloid material. Look at what’s happened over the past month or so. C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira were the biggest free agent signings over the winter. All accomplished by the Yankees. But, here we are two weeks into spring training and in every New York newspaper, Yankees blog and fan website all you read about is Alex Rodriguez.

There is no doubt about it, A-Rod is his own worst enemy, and in the end he may prove to be the Yankees’ worst enemy as well.

One thing is for certain, A-Rod won’t be alone to face the cameras and microphones.  Many of Yankee teammates plan on being present to offer support for their star third baseman.  It is unknown how much information A-Rod will impart as to his steroid use as a follow up to his televised confession to ESPN’s Peter Gammons a little over a week ago.  According to manager Joe Girardi, how specific A-Rod is in telling his side of the story isn’t the most important issue.

“I don’t think it’s necessary in my eyes that he answers every detail,” Girardi said to reporters on Monday.

Girardi also told reporters he felt that the Yankee players have a definite affection for A-Rod and that it will put on display Tuesday.  “I don’t think it’s window dressing,” Girardi said. “I think it’s out of their hearts and their feelings for Alex and them wanting to stand behind him and help him through this situation.”

Some of the players contacted Monday, such as Andy Pettitte and new first baseman Mark Teixeira, said they planned on being present at the news conference.

Said Pettitte to reporters, “It’s part of playing here. Everything is somewhat magnified to a certain degree being here, and just some things you’ve got to deal with.”

Teixeira said he wants to assure A-Rod he is in the third baseman’s corner.  “When I see him tomorrow, I’m going to give him a big hug and just tell him I’m there for him. I’m going to be a teammate and a friend if he needs one,” Teixeira told the media.  Teixeira and A-Rod played together in Texas during the 2003 season.

Much attention is going to be drawn to A-Rod’s place in baseball history.  Always viewed as a clean player he had been touted as the heir apparent to pass current career home run champion Barry Bonds.  Bonds ended the 2007 season with 762 home runs to surpass Henry Aaron who finished his career with 755 round trippers.   Bonds legacy is in question as he has also been accused of being a steroid cheat, although he has never admitted to knowingly taking any illegal substances.  Bonds is slated to stand trial on March 2, 2009 in federal court to face charges of perjury.

Rodriguez, who has 553 career home runs and trails Bonds by 209, will now be lumped into the same group as Bonds and every home run he has hit and will hit is going be questioned.

To be sure Rodriguez will face tougher questions from the media Tuesday than he faced when speaking with Gammons.  Gammons didn’t know what to expect, but now that the media has had a chance to digest A-Rod’s words he can expect them to come out firing.  He dodged questions by Gammons regarding what drugs he used, how often he used steroids and if he used them in the off- season.

ESPN was criticized in some circles by not pressing A-Rod for more specific answers.

A-Rod is obviously the biggest name ever to be linked with using performance-enhancing drugs.  He has been condemned in many sports columns and in the office of Commissioner Bud Selig.   He also has been the butt of jokes on many of the late night shows.  Although understandably distressing to the Yankees front office the team plans on rallying around their sullied star.

“A lot of people think that, you know, this is going to tear the team apart,” Teixeira said to reporters about how the team will respond. “I think it’s going to bring the team together.”

Tuesday, like facing a firing squad, A-Rod will have to face the media, but at least he won’t have to face it alone.

Nearly a week ago A-Rod’s name came out in a published Sports Illustrated report, written by Selena Roberts, in which she said that A-Rod was one of 104 players who failed a drug test.  Rodriguez allegedly tested positive for the steroid Primobolan and testosterone during the test given in 2003 to determine how prevalent steroid usage was in baseball.  Per an agreement between the MLB and the players’ union the names of the players were to remain anonymous and there was no punishment attached for failing.  Roberts cited four anonymous sources in filing her story.

The fact A-Rod’s name or anyone else’s became public, after the participants were promised anonymity should be the subject of its own investigation, as someone clearly overstepped their authority in leaking out this information.  However, that’s a story for another day.

Two days later Rodriguez, who up to that time remained silent about the story, appeared on ESPN to be interviewed by Peter Gammons.  Rodriguez to the amazement of many looked at Gammons and admitted he had used steroids from 2001 to 2003 while playing for the Texas Rangers.  A-Rod won his first MVP award during the 2003 season.  Rodriguez blamed his youth and naivety, plus being  the culture of the times, that led to his using illegal substances.

The next day, Jeter, who was working out at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa, Florida was contacted by reporters to give a statement about A-Rod’s confession.  Here’s where things went wrong.  Instead of coming along side of his third baseman to offer support Jeter chose to stall.

“I’m not addressing Alex’s situation until everybody’s here,” the Yankee captain said.  “I’m not going to do it every single day.  Are things a distraction? It’s a distraction when you talk about it every single day.”

Fair enough, don’t talk about it until everyone who covers the Yankees spring training is present so you can say all you want at one time.  But what’s the matter with, “I’m not addressing Alex’s situation until everybody’s here, but as a teammate I am here to support Alex and to help him publicly in any way I can.  That’s all I’ve got so say for now.”  Or, he could’ve issued a statement through the Yankees’ media relations department and basically said the same thing.

Instead, Jeter’s silence and lack of support leaves open conjecture and imagination.  Now, the news media can infer anything it wants as to how Jeter views A-Rod.  Until Jeter decides when the time is right no one, including A-Rod, is going to know what he’s thinking.

Today, reporters grabbed Andy Pettitte to get his views on Rodriguez’s situation.  Pettitte, himself, went through a similar trial in December of 2007 when his name was cited in George Mitchell’s 20-month, steroid investigation report submitted to baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

At the time of Pettitte’s difficulty Jeter had no problem coming out and supporting his teammate and friend.

“Andy knows how I feel about him, and he knows how we feel about him as an organization,” Jeter said. “It took a lot of courage for him to come out and be honest about it. Hopefully he can move on.”

After Pettitte took approximately 55 minutes or so to apologize for his using steroids Jeter, who was present at the act of contrition gave the big lefty a hug, which clearly relieved Pettitte’s anxiety.

So where was Jeter’s support for A-Rod’s honesty and courage?

Pettitte had no problem coming to the aid of his troubled comrade in pinstripes.  According to reports, Pettitte set about texting A-Rod and he talked to him on the phone.

“He’s my teammate, and I love him.” Pettitte told reporters. “It has no effect at all, the way I look at him.”

Pettitte knows how those outside of the organization may look at A-Rod.

“Obviously he’s going to get a lot of criticism, and it could affect him,” he said.

The Yankees are bracing for the maelstrom of reporters who will be descending on George M. Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday when Rodriguez and the rest of the position players report.  There will be a lot of notebooks, cameras and tape recorders shoved into players’ faces to get statements.  Most of those will be pointed in A-Rod’s direction.  They’ll also be pointed in the Yankee captain’s way as well.

Maybe, by then, Jeter will have figured out what he’s going to say.

Leyritz Arrested for Violating Terms of Release

Former Yankees catcher and 1996 World Series hero Jim Leyritz was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after a judge revoked Leyritz’s bond for violating the terms of his pretrial release for DUI and manslaughter.  Leyritz was arrested on December 28, 2007 when he ran a red light in Fort Lauderdale killing a 30-year old mother of two.  Leyritz’s blood alcohol level was 0.14 at the time of the crash.  Interestingly, the victim, Frieda Ann Veitch, had a blood alcohol level of 0.18.  Florida’s legal limit is 0.08.

Leyritz’s car had a system installed whereby Leyritz had to blow into a device in order to start the car.  According to authorities, the device recorded that Leyritz had consumed alcohol on four occasions since being installed in April of 2008.  Leyritz was forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages as part of the conditions for his release.

Leyritz is tentatively set to go to trial on May 25.  If convicted, Leyritz could face up to 15 years in prison.  He has pleaded not guilty.

A-Rod told ESPN’s Peter Gammons in an interview, “Back then it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive, and I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth, you know- and being one of the greatest players of all time. ”

Rodriguez’s confession came two days after a published report issued by Sports Illustrated stated that he had failed a survey test administered in 2003 by Major League Baseball to determine how rampant steroid usage was in the sport. Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone.

However, the testing was done with a condition of anonymity and players who tested positive for banned substances were not subject to punishment at the time.

A-Rod spoke with ESPN's Peter Gammons today and came clean about his use of steroids. (Pete Borriello/NYSD)

Rodriguez also told ESPN that he was young and naïve and made a mistake.

“It was such a loosey-goosey era. I’m guilty for a lot of things. I’m guilty for being negligent, naive, not asking all the right questions,” Rodriguez said. “To be quite honest, I don’t know exactly what substance I was guilty of using.”

A-Rod offered his apologies for his actions.

“And I did take a banned substance and, you know, for that I’m very sorry and deeply regretful. And although it was the culture back then and Major League Baseball overall was very-I just feel that-You know, I’m just sorry. I’m sorry for that time. I’m sorry to fans. I’m sorry for my fans in Texas. It wasn’t until then that I ever thought about substance of any kind, and since then I’ve proved to myself and to everyone that I don’t need any of that.”

Rodriguez’s name was one of 104 names included on a list that was cited by the Sports Illustrated. His admission directly contradicts the statements he made in a 2007 interview on 60 Minutes in which he said he had never taken steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance enhancing drug to compete.

“I’ve never felt overmatched on the baseball field,” he said at that time. “I felt that if I did my, my work as I’ve done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn’t have a problem competing at any level.”

A-Rod’s name has frequently appeared in the sports section and tabloids in recent months. He and his wife Cynthia divorced after the ex-Mrs. Rodriguez filed for divorce and referred to A-Rod’s alleged adultery. Rodriguez was romantically linked to Madonna, but both denied an amorous involvement or that it was a reason that Madonna, too, divorced her husband director Guy Ritchie.

Just last month Rodriguez was a major subject of attention in Joe Torre’s new book The Yankee Years where Torre painted Rodriguez as a narcissist who craved attention and was more worried about he looked in a situation than just getting the job done. Torre also referred to A-Rod’s “single white female” obsession with Derek Jeter.

Now Rodriguez comes as the latest big name to pop up in the never ending steroid scandal. However, by getting out in front of the story and admitting he used illegal performance enhancing drugs A-Rod has avoided the same trappings that have snared the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro. Oh sure, he’ll have to answer a gazillion questions down the road, but what he may have done is save his bid to enter baseball’s Hall of Fame after he hangs up his spikes.

America loves to forgive. Just look at Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi. They made their mea culpas about using illegal substances and have pretty much been left alone. And let’s face it, A-Rod is correct in saying he was just a dumb kid when he did what he did. The same line Michael Phelps used when he got caught performing mouth-to-mouth on a bong full of Marijuana. Phelps will lose some endorsements for a time, but eventually he’ll work his way back into everyone’s good graces. Alex Rodriguez can do the same. He just has to use his smarts and avoid controversial situations. That often proves to be a very tough task for Mr. Rodriguez.

I bet there is one person who would probably like to thank A-Rod for taking the heat off him, and that would be Joe Torre. Thanks to A-Rod’s latest fall down the stairs Torre moved to the back burner.

Correction: In my article on Saturday, “Steroids Scandal Could Take Down A-Rod ,” I inadvertently said A-Rod, who denied using steroids in an interview on 60 Minutes, gave that interview in 2003. The correct year was 2007.

According to the report numerous sources told SI, A-Rod tested positive for two banned substances during a test in 2003.

Rodriguez’s name appears on a list of 104 players who failed a drug test for anabolic steroids during the season.  He reportedly had tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone while playing for the Rangers.

As a member of the Texas Rangers, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003. (Pete Borriello/NYSD)

Sports Illustrated caught up with Rodriguez working out in a gymnasium in Miami where he resides in the off season and he declined to comment on the report.  “You’ll have to talk to the union,” he told a reporter.

Although Major League Baseball said it was “disturbed” by the news it could not comment on it, because of player confidentiality.

MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred said, “Because the survey testing that took place in 2003 was intended to be non-disciplinary and anonymous, we cannot make any comment on the accuracy of this report as it pertains to the player named,”

According to additional reports the player’s association refused to directly address the truthfulness of the report as well.

In a public statement the union said, “Information and documents relating to the results of the 2003 MLB testing program are both confidential and under seal by court orders.

“Anyone with knowledge of such documents who discloses their contents may be in violation of those court orders,” the union added.

Rodriguez was interviewed on CBS’ 60 Minutes in 2003, three days after George Mitchell’s report became public and he denied ever using steroids or other performance enhancing drugs.

“I’ve never felt overmatched on the baseball field. … I felt that if I did my, my work as I’ve done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn’t have a problem competing at any level,” he said.

A-Rod began his career with the Seattle Mariners in where he played six seasons before moving to Arlington, Texas to play for the Rangers.  In 2003 He won the first of three MVP titles as well as the AL home run title with 57 home runs.  It was while a member of the Rangers A-Rod signed the then richest contract in baseball history when he inked a 10-year, $250 million deal.

Rodriguez moved to the New York Yankees in 2004 and won a second MVP award in 2005.  In 2007, after opting out of his contract, A-Rod  e-signed with the Yankees by agreeing to a new 10-year, $275 million deal making him, far and away, the richest player in sports history.  He rewarded the club by winning a third MVP award to equal Yankee icons Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra who also have three MVP awards; although Mantle and Berra won all three with the Yankees.

In recent years Major League Baseball has come under great scrutiny, because of players allegedly using steroids and human growth hormone.  In the past 4 years heretofore legends such as Raphael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have fallen in the eyes of fans due to their proven or alleged use of illegal performance drugs.

In 2005, Palmeiro, pointed to congressmen looking into the steroid scandal and telling them he never took steroids, tested positive for stanozolol. Palmeiro was out of baseball shortly after the failed test became public.  McGwire, who originally broke Roger Maris’ home run record by knocking out 70 home runs during the 1998 season, told the same committee he wasn’t there to talk about the past. He, all but, inferred he used illegal substances.  McGwire retired in 2001 nagged by injuries.  He has failed in three attempts to enter the Hall of Fame with his garnering less and less votes with each passing year.

Both Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens legacies are in jeopardy as well.  Bonds, in 2003, testified during the BALCO grand jury inquiry that he never knowingly took any form of steroids.  That testimony, plus evidence seized by federal investigators over the past couple of years has led to Bonds being indicted for lying under oath.  He goes on trial in March.

In 2007 Clemens’ name was the biggest name to become public out of the Mitchell Report when it was presented to Commissioner Bud Selig.  Clemens former trainer, Brian McNamee, told federal investigators during Mitchell’s investigation he injected Clemens with PEDs.  That launched Clemens into defense mode.  He went on 60 Minutes to be interviewed by Mike Wallace.  He categorically denied using anything illegal to better his performance and painted McNamee as a liar.  He sued McNamee for character assassination.  He also went before Congress and told them he wasn’t a drug abuser.

However, McNamee wasn’t through.  He told investigators he injected Clemens wife Debra, with human growth hormones so that she would look good for a Sports Illustrated cover shoot with her husband in 2003.  McNamee told authorities he did it in Clemens’ bedroom under Clemens’ supervision. Clemens denied every aspect of McNamee’s account.  Mrs. Clemens admitted she was injected, but according to Clemens she did it herself after hearing McNamee telling her the benefits of using it.

After the congressional hearing the case was given to federal investigators to looking into whether or not Clemens lied.  Recently investigators turned over their findings to a federal grand jury that is in the midst of determining if Clemens should be indicted for perjury.

We’ll all know that shortly.

Turning back to A-Rod, he is the just latest athlete to have his name dragged through the mud in the never ending steroid scandal.  Commissioner Bud Selig must have a lot of sleepless nights knowing that another icon’s name is going to come up.  A-Rod is just the most recent to appear, and you know he isn’t the last.

What makes this soap opera so laughable is that just when you want to feel sorry for the guy, because he was just trashed by his former manager in a new book he shoots himself in the foot again.  As it has been pointed out many times, A-Rod is a lightning rod for controversy.  The way this guys’ life is going he could be the solution to the energy crisis.

As this story unfolds, we will all learn more and more details.  The important thing here for A-Rod is history.  Will he learn from it and say “mea culpa,” and ask for forgiveness or will he repeat it and deny his involvement as others have done with not too great results?

I have my thoughts, keep yours and stay tuned.